Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions - Updated Edition Chapter 11: Public inquiries • Conducting a public inquiry can be an effective way to address systemic patterns of human rights violations such as torture and other forms of ill-treatment; however, it also presents challenges that should be considered. • Holding a public inquiry on torture involves a number of steps, from choosing the specific issue and defining the inquiry’s objectives and terms of reference, to gathering information, visiting places of detention, conducting private interviews with detainees, holding public hearings, preparing a report and recommendations, conducting follow-up and monitoring and evaluation. • To integrate gender in a public inquiry, NHRIs will need to assess and operationalise the implications for women, men and people with diverse gender identities in each stage of the process. 154